Tenancy & Housing
Tenancy & Housing judgments from New Zealand courts and tribunals, with a plain-English summary, the legal holding and frequently asked questions.
Tenant's Application Dismissed for Lack of Valid Contact Number
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy for $10,992.86 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
Tenant ordered to pay $1,507.86 in rent arrears
Tenant Deported, Bond Awarded to Landlord
The Tenancy Tribunal awarded the landlord the bond amount after the tenant was deported without giving proper notice. The landlord was compensated for rent arrears with the bond.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Break Fee After Early Termination
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that a tenant must pay rent arrears and a break fee after agreeing to end a fixed-term tenancy early without a formal variation agreement. The Tribunal found that the tenant acknowledged continuing to pay rent under the existing tenancy agreement.
Tenant ordered to pay rent arrears and charges
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy Over $1,513.42 in Rent Arrears in Tauranga
Tribunal Ends Tenancy Over $4,005 in Rent Arrears in Auckland
Tenant Ordered to Pay $8,808.85 for Damages and Repairs Exceeding Fair Wear and Tear
Tenant Held Liable for Pet Dog Damage to Rental Property
The Tenancy Tribunal decided that a tenant was responsible for the damage to the carpet caused by their pet dog. The tenant failed to properly contain the dog, leading to multiple instances of urination on the carpet.
Tribunal Terminates Tenancy in Papakura Due to £12,457 Rent Arrears
Tenant's Tenancy Terminated Due to Unpaid Rent and Mental Health Issues
The Tenancy Tribunal ended a tenant's lease because they hadn't paid their rent for over 75 days. The tenant had serious mental health issues, and the court granted possession to the landlord on May 1st, 2025.
Tenant's Tenancy Terminated for Abandonment
Bond Released Despite Tenant Signature Discrepancies
Tenant's Application Dismissed for Not Attending Hearing in Tauranga
The Tenancy Tribunal dismissed a tenant's application because the tenant did not show up for the scheduled hearing. The Tribunal followed the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, which requires tenants to attend hearings or request an adjournment if they cannot make it.
Tribunal Ends Tenancy Over Unpaid Rent and Property Abandonment in Auckland
Tenant Ordered to Pay for Cleaning and Repairs After Accepting Liability
The Tenancy Tribunal ordered the tenant to pay the landlord $2,802.59 for cleaning and repairs after the tenant accepted responsibility for damages and poor conditions at the end of the tenancy.
Tenant Ordered to Pay Rent Arrears and Excessive Cleaning Costs
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay rent arrears and damages for excessive cleaning and repairs beyond normal wear and tear, based on evidence provided by the landlord.
Tenancy Tribunal Dismisses Claim for Rent Arrears and Termination
Tenant ordered to pay $227.31 debt and rent
The Tenancy Tribunal ruled that the tenant must pay a total debt of $227.31 to the landlord, including water rates and a filing fee. This ruling was made during a hearing where both parties agreed to resolve the claims by consent.